Grants

Food Security Equipment Reimbursement Grant

To combat the rates of food insecurity in Rockland County, which have dramatically increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rockland County has used $500,000 of ARPA funds to establish the Food Security Equipment Reimbursement Grant. This grant aims to provide reimbursement funds to organizations for pantry related equipment and software expenses that encourage capacity building by increasing and improving the services pantries provide to their communities.

Individual reimbursement grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to select organizations who meet the eligibility requirements. Awarded organizations may be reimbursed for funds used for eligible equipment expenses incurred beginning January 1, 2024, and until the application submission period closes on June 30, 2024.

Eligible expenses include equipment expenses related to the following pantry functions:

• Food storage equipment
  • (e.g., freezers, refrigerators, shelving, insulated storage sheds).
• Food distribution equipment
  • (e.g., liftgates, forklifts, pallet jacks, hand carts, tents, tables, outdoor heaters)
• Pantry related technology
  • (e.g., translation applications, inventory tracking programs, etc.)

Eligibility Information:

• Eligible Applicants Nonprofit Organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education and healthcare facilities).
• For the purposes of this grant, 501(c)(3) organizations that have a primary focus of reducing food insecurity are deemed to be negatively economically impacted. This assumption is due to the drastic increase in the demand to assist disproportionately impacted Rockland County residents with their food insecurity needs.
• Rockland County based 501(c)(3) organizations that have a primary focus of reducing food insecurity. The organization's address and serving Rockland County residents who were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
• Applicant must have the ability to receive federal awards.
• Must be established nonprofit organization based in the County of Rockland since January 1, 2020.
• Must be in good standing with Local, State, and Federal taxation and license requirements.
• Must disclose any funding received since January 1, 2023.